The last U-2 produced by Lockheed fly again after 17 years on the ground. The plane, 80-1099, had been severely damaged in 2008, when a fire caused by hydrazine occurred during maintenance at Al Dhafra Air Base in the United Arab Emirates.
After unsuccessful years in attempts to repair, the aircraft was sent to Palmdale, California, where he underwent a reconstruction process and performed his first test flight in August 2025.
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The model has a long trajectory of service, including operations during the Gulf War and Bases in the UK, South Korea and the Middle East. Considered an important piece in intelligence collection, the U-2 can change its routes in the flight, something impossible for satellites. In addition, it carries more useful load than the Global Hawk RQ-4, initially planned as a substitute, and also complies with unmanned aircraft functions, such as the alleged RQ-180, cannot perform in places of public visibility.
Despite being modernized and spared retirement in previous years, Fleet U-2 continues to be withdrawn from 2026. The return of 80-1099, however, raises doubts about a possible extension of its useful life, as changes in the directions of US defense may postpone or even revert the end of the iconic “Dragon Lady” operations.
Source: The Aviationist | Photo: x @zaphod58 | This content was created with the help of AI and revised by the editorial team
XRAY77, 80-1099 making its first flight since being damaged in 2008 and spending years as a ground trainer before being repaired. pic.twitter.com/JO4vcJ9IEn
— Steven Fortson (@zaphod58) August 23, 2025
